How To Use Portrait Mode On Your iPhone 7 And Older Models

One of the biggest selling points of iPhones 7 and up are the dual-camera systems. In just about every single review, the camera is regularly claimed to be a beautiful, crisp and clear image.

For many iPhone owners, it is one of the more popular features of the phone. To this day, the upgrades to camera phones has greatly improved the selfie and photography game. But then, the Apple company, at a special event, showcased the iPhone 7 Plus.

This newer model had a new, special and exclusive feature called “Portrait Mode.” Portrait Mode is supposed to be a higher quality camera, on par with a DSLR camera, also including a blur effect, and picture editing options you can play with. Immediately, this new feature began to grow in popularity.

What if you have an older iPhone? Well, let us get real; iPhones are not exactly the cheapest phones on the market, currently. If you happen to take good care of your device, your older iPhone should be working just fine, right? If only your older iPhone model could have portrait mode as well, then it would be perfect.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to download Portrait Mode onto your older device. But wait, before you spend the money on a newer device with the amazing new feature on it, there just so happens to be a special app which gives you all of the same Portrait Mode capabilities.

Introducing the FabFocus

The FabFocus is a handy, little app that is compatible with most iPhones, from the iPhone 5s and up. It is also compatible with the iPad Air, Mini, and Pro. It can be downloaded from the app store for $1.99.

Download the FabFocus app to your compatible device. Once this task is done, you should launch the app and grant it access to your camera, photo, and files. This should be an easy process, as a small notification bubble will pop up and prompt you to do this.

Now you can take a lovely picture. Tap on the shutter icon at the center bottom to capture your photo. You can do the same thing if you want to take a selfie. All you have to do is click the small icon at the top left corner, which will change the direction of your camera.

A button labeled “Start” will form beneath your new photo. Click this button to add the background blur effect. This effect would come in handy if you are trying to hide specific items in the background, highlight a specific item, or just hide all of the background faces.

If by chance, you took a picture of an object, the app will not recognize any faces, so you will have to put in the blur effect manually. The app will give you an immediate notification if this is the case.

Picture Editing

If you have to add the blur effect manually, you will notice an “Edit” button at the bottom of the screen. Tap on it.

You will be able to use a digital brush to highlight the specific area that you want the focus to be on. There is also a brush to paint over the part you want highlighted, as well. If you make a mistake, there is an eraser button you can use to fix any problem. You also have the option to change the size of the brush you are using.

You can change any blur effect to match any specific shape, like a square or a heart. However, clicking on the upward pointing arrows, which will open up the extra editing options. When you are done with the advanced settings, you can tap on the now downward pointing arrows at the bottom of the screen.

Confirm the changes to your picture by clicking on the tick mark on the bottom right corner. You will also be given the option to share your picture with Facebook, Instagram, and even your camera roll.

Preexisting pictures and the blur effect

This app just so happens to be so versatile, you are even capable of using it on preexisting photos, that happen to be saved in your phone from over a year ago. It does not require a new picture to work.

Open your FabFocus application.

At the bottom left of your device, you will see an “Albums” button. Pick out the photos you want to edit, then use the previously explained directions above to add the blur effect to your photo.

Advanced Instructions

The advanced settings in your app will open up a few more options for your photo editing needs.

When you open your FabFocus app, click on the X in the top right corner.

From there, you will find your settings button. Click it, and then select the bokeh shape (star, or heart, or circle) you want to use. From there, you can adjust your blur intensity using the toggle at the top.

You will see an “Advanced” button that will give you several more advanced options for photo editing. Some of the options you will have include a “play sounds” option, and a “boost bokeh highlights” option.

That’s all you need to know! From here, you should be able to enjoy all of the perks of the Portrait Mode feature, without actually having to have it. The quality of the older phone cameras may not be top notch.

However, with this FabFocus app, you will never be able to tell the difference between a higher quality camera phone, and your older one. So, while you may not officially have the Portrait Mode on your older device, this app is a decent alternative.

It provides plenty of photo editing options, and ensures that you have an amazing, shareable picture. In the end, that is all that really matters, right? May all of your photos be clear and pristine!